Has anyone else had this problem?
My Mirena IUD is causing chemical pregnancies

As described above, my mirena is not stopping fertilization like it should. I have had it in since July and have since had 3 chemical pregnancies. I'm not happy. It is supposed to work in several ways to prevent fertilization from even happening. Prevention of implantation is it's last line of defence but I was assured by several medical professionals before having it inserted that fertilization was very very unlikely and a lot of women cease to O altogether. I haven't had AF since August, just very light spotting when shes due but, clearly, I am O'ing!Anyway, DP and I do plan to have a baby in the near future. He doesn't have any kids of his own. But we are both currently studying full-time and our degree (we're doing the same course) is very full-on so we planned to wait until the end of this year to try.

To make matters more complicated, the IUD was my last resort for contraception. I am allergic to latex and most lubes give me thrush which rules out using condoms, diaphragms and the like... The pill plays havoc with my body as do other hormone-based contraceptives. To date the only thing I've been able to tolerate is the very low localized dose of progesterone that the mirena delivers. I have fallen pg using the rhythm method combined with withdrawal and also fallen pg after the one time i took the MAP which was taken following instructions to the letter! Basically - the Mirena was my last resort!

Anyway - I have an appt to see my Dr today and have it removed because I am not happy with the fact that the IUD is only really working to basically terminate which is not what the Mirena is really supposed to do.

Has anyone else had multiple chem pg's with the Mirena?

If you were in my situation, WWYD? At th moment I'm thinking my only other option is to go back to rhythm/withdrawal for now.

PP, I haven't to date found a condom brand that is non-latex AND lube free

As for rhythm/withdrawal - when DS2 was conceived despite using this method, it was doing it exactly as u described - withdrawing during non fertile periods and abstaining during O week. Obviously my uterus is super hospitable lol. When DS2 was conceived, the last BD had been 5 days before O and there must have been some super-swimmers in exDH's pre-ejaculate (sorry TMI). We were both shocked when i fell pg but he felt like a bit of a hero

PP, I haven't to date found a condom brand that is non-latex AND lube free

As for rhythm/withdrawal - when DS2 was conceived despite using this method, it was doing it exactly as u described - withdrawing during non fertile periods and abstaining during O week. Obviously my uterus is super hospitable lol. When DS2 was conceived, the last BD had been 5 days before O and there must have been some super-swimmers in exDH's pre-ejaculate (sorry TMI). We were both shocked when i fell pg but he felt like a bit of a hero

5 days before o is not in the "safe period" were you charting, using fertility signs & OPKs?

You can find unlubrcated latex free condoms... And there are latex free diaphragms which don't need lube at all...

Back to my original question though, are you SURE you are actually getting pregnant? How do you know?

It seems to be doing what it is meant to do. Why some women may stop ovulating, not all will. While it MAY thicken the cervical mucous to prevent sperm getting to the egg, this isn't guaranteed. It will change the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.

I don't believe any Dr could guarantee all of these things couldn't happen.

I am on my second IUD and over 4 years. How do you know you have had a chemical pregnancy? I have no idea whether I Ovulate (I suspect that I do though). I haven't had a period since September 2011, so at least that part has worked for me!

Oh - and yes I'm certain they're CPs. Getting faint BFPs on FRER for a couple of days, low HCG in blood tests first 2 times followed by BFNs. I only had blood taken the first 2 times. The most recent CP I didn't bother. I had BFPs on Friday night and sat morning followed by BFNs.

If you were in my situation, WWYD? At th moment I'm thinking my only other option is to go back to rhythm/withdrawal for now.

TIALinz

I'd probably stick with the mirena as at least it was not resulting in a true/full (I am trying to think of the right words to use) pregnancy. I would also perhaps be using OPK's at the sametime just to double check.

The fact you have gotten pregnant with the withdrawal method I would not go off birth control and just use that because it has clearly failed.

The fact you have gotten pregnant with the withdrawal method I would not go off birth control and just use that because it has clearly failed

Even though it wasn't just withdrawal that was being used at the time - I agree. I'm wary of using my previous method again because of its failure in the past (even though the chance of it failing must have been so minimal it could've been considered neglilgent)

Those links to latex free, lube free condoms does give me a good place to start though! I never thought of condom shopping on the net before! Duh!

I'd probably use OPKs and keep at withdrawal method. Or just not have penetrative sex and give each other BJs and HJs until you're ready to try for kids....which could be difficult if you're not planning them for a while.

Well it is and it isn't (an ethical problem for me) - I support a woman's right to choose (within reason!)

My problem is that, from my knowledge to produce HCG, a fertilised egg would have to have at least started the implantation process. If that is happening in my body then as far as I'm concerned, I'm pg and I would keep the baby given the choice. The mirena really was a last resort for me after trying every other avenue I could think of because of it's potential to still allow fertilisation. After medical advice and very careful consideration of how the mirena works (or at least is supposed to) I decided I should try it due to the information being that the mirena first and foremost works to prevent fertilisation. So for me to then have 3 chem pgs in 6 months is just too many IMO.

To the PP asking about proper insertion - I check the strings regularly and they're there so if there's a problem with how it's sitting - it's beyond me being able to check. not that it matters seeing as I'm off to the Dr at 3 to get it out

I have had the Mirena for a few years and my obs told me that it didn't stop ovulation and fertilisation, but it did stop IMPLANTATION. He made that very clear to me, so I could be sure that I was ethically fine with the fact that the sperm and egg *may* fertilise, but I would not get pregnant.

I was fine with that.

I'd be going to the Dr that told you it stopped ovulation - it can, but it doesn't always. I know that I still ovulate, although not every month.

Have you thought about the Nuva Ring? It's relatively expensive, but has the localised hormones similar to a Mirena.

Do you have problems with water based or with silicone based lubes? Many people experience thrush from water based, but in my experience silicone based lubricant doesn't have the same problem. It also doesn't dry out in the same way as water based, so many people enjoy it much more. Perhaps this is worth a try.

As PPs posted, check the internet for latex free and lubricant free condom options. Many large sex shops (Sexyland, Club X, etc etc) also have a decent range of condoms and might be able to help you out.

Lastly, are you just going to your regular GP for your contraceptive needs or are you seeing somebody who specialises in this? With your unique issues, I'd strongly recommend that you go and see a doctor at your local Family Planning Association, or Marie Stopes, or similar. I think their specific expertise would be of benefit to you.

noi'mnot: funny u should mention the nuvaring - I've just come back from my GP who said that's about my last option but I have to check with a pharmacist first to see if the ring itself contains latex. If not, I'm definitely giving it a go.

I had my Mirena inserted a Marie stopes as they don't do it at my local GPs office so had advice from the staff at MS as well as my GP.

As far as I know the Nuvaring is latex free, but of course check with the pharmacist. Link. Another link.

Anyway, seeing as you got the Mirena inserted at Marie Stopes, have you thought about making an appointment there to talk to them about options instead of your GP? If you're happy with your GP then that's fine, I'm just wondering if you're better off in specialist hands.

In spite of being in an almost constant state of motion while looking after the kids and trying to keep things together at home, it can seem as though parents have managed to get nothing on the to-do list done by the end of the day.

A French court may have ruled out Nutella as a baby name, but that doesn't have to stop you from taking inspiration from the supermarket (or bottle shop). See what parents in the US have chosen for their delicious little ones.